Denver Broncos: Best moments from Hall of Fame weekend

Champ Bailey Enshrined as First Ballot

This member of the 2000s All-Decade Team was presented by his agent and friend, Jack Reale.

The first player in over 40 years to start on offense and defense at Georgia began the night (after waiting for the enormous ovation to end) by thanking Broncos Country, followed by his family with a special shoutout to his late grandmother, where he remarked he got his love for helping his community from her, and in another special moment, Champ asked his oldest children to stand up and addressed them, instructing them that it is their obligation to be an example for their older siblings, and choked up a bit, telling them “I would do anything to help you fulfill your dreams.”

Bailey received a roaring ovation once again when he began the chronicle of his time in Denver by stating: “The best thing for my career happened in 2004.”

At this point, Bailey paid tribute to the owner he had adored so much (and who had sold him on Denver) once more: “There are a few things I learned to appreciate from a good leader. They lead by example, they’re accountable, they’re competitive, and they know how to win. That was what I learned and loved about Mr. B.”

He recalled former teammates Jake Plummer and Rod Smith’s words about how the kindness of Mr. B impacted them and started the waterworks for much of Broncos Country when he said Mr. B “will forever be my teammate.”

In his last thank you to the Broncos, he shared his love for the city of Denver: “I cannot overstate how proud I am to be part of the Broncos family. I will always consider Denver my home.”

At this point, Bailey turned a different direction. He used his platform to spread awareness of the challenges the black community faces every day. He encourages people to listen to their friends when they communicate their fears.

I encourage you to take a listen to this inspiring speech.